April 29 - Saint Hugh - Abbot of Cluny - 1109 - Gaul

Saint Hugh of Cluny
Also known as
Hugh the Great
Hugh of Cluni
Hugh of Semur
Hugues de Cluny
Memorial
29 April
Profile
Born to the Burgundian nobility. Eldest son of Count Dalmatius of Semur and Aremberge of Vergy. His father wanted him to become a knight and secular leader; his mother was advised of a vision received by a local priest that her son was destined for religious life. When Hugh seemed more inclined to the Church than the hunt, his father sent him to his grand-uncle Hugh, Bishop of Auxerre, France for education. Novice at Cluny Abbey at age 14. Monk at 15 under Saint Odilo. Deacon at 18. Priest at 20. Benedictine. Abbey prior. Elected abbot on 1 January 1049.
Fought lay investiture, simony, and corruption among the clergy. Founded almost 2,000 new houses, led by like-minded religious, in France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Fought against simony at the Council of Rheims in 1049. Participated in the Council of Rome in 1059 that set the method of election of Popes. Presided over the Synod of Toulouse, and participated in the 1063 Council of Rome. Served as peace maker between the Vatican and Henry IV. Advisor to nine Popes.
Born
1024 at Semur, Brionnais, diocese of Autun, France as Hugues de Semur
Died
28 April 1109 at Cluny Abbey, France
miracles reported at his tomb
most of his relics were destroyed by Huguenots in 1575
Canonized
6 January 1120 by Pope Saint Callistus II
Patronage
against fever
–
Cluny, France

From the Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints

Abbots of Cluny
Memorial
29 April
Profile
A feast that recognizes the great and saintly early abbots of Cluny Abbey.
Aymardus
Berno
Hugh
Mayeul
Odilo
Odo
Peter the Venerable
cybrotius